What: Italian Serie A
Who: Napoli vs Roma
When: Sunday 9th March, 2014, at 19:45 UK Time
Where: Stadio San Paolo, Naples, Italy

Winning Second Place

Napoli know very well that no more slip-ups are allowed should they want to regain second place in the league standings. Already six points behind second-placed and weekend adversaries Roma, Rafael Benitez must motivate his side for them to turn things around and topple the Giallorossi. Facing a very motivated Roma side will however be very tough, as Rudi Garcia’s team show no sign of stopping their good run.

The two clubs have already faced each other three times this term, twice in the Coppa Italia and once in Serie A. While Napoli have had the upper hand in the cup, winning over two legs, Roma took the full spoils in the corresponding league fixture in October thanks to a 2-0 scoreline. However, Giandomenico Mesto feels that his side are capable of putting Roma to the sword when the two meet.

“No words are needed to understand what this match means in the title race. Roma are doing great in the league but we in the three challenges [that occurred this season], including league and cup, have shown to be at least at their level. We deserved more from these games. We are aware of our strength and I am sure that Sunday will be a beautiful game", commented the right-back.

Final Nail

Six points ahead of Napoli and with a game in hand, Roma know very well that a win over Napoli at the San Paolo will more than likely be the final nail in their opponents’ quest towards regaining second place. Undefeated in their last six Serie A games, Roma are in good form, and will be a very tough nut to crack for Napoli. However, a win is a must for Benitez and his men.

Roma have had the upper hand in the recent six encounters that pitted the two teams together, winning three of those with Napoli claiming victory on two occasions. On the road, the 2001 Serie A winners boast an admirable record, as they are undefeated in 14 of their last 15 games away from the Stadio Olimpico, only falling 3-0 against league leaders Juventus in January.

Rudi Garcia will have some selection problems on his mind, as club captain and emblem Francesco Totti is a major doubt for this game, while Federico Balzaretti is a long-term absentee and Daniele De Rossi is suspended. Nonetheless, absences appear to not have slowed Roma down as they have kept clean sheets in six of their past seven Serie A games.
 

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Recent form

Napoli:
Napoli 1-1 Genoa (24/02; Serie A)
Napoli 3-1 Swansea (27/02; Europa League)
Livorno 1-1 Napoli (02/03; Serie A)

Roma:
Roma 3-0 Sampdoria (16/02; Serie A)
Bologna 0-1 Roma (22/02; Serie A)
Roma 0-0 Inter (01/03; Serie A)

Key absences

Napoli: Rafael; Juan Zuniga; Giandomenico Mesto (doubt)

Roma: Mehdi Benatia (doubt); Alessandro Florenzi (doubt); Miralem Pjanic (doubt); Francesco Totti (doubt); Federico Balzaretti; Daniele De Rossi (suspended) 

Players to watch

Napoli – Gonzalo Higuain: The Argentine’s absence was clear against Livorno, as his team were held to a draw by the side that occupy 18th position. As his coach declared several times, the former Real Madrid man is his side’s most important player and they will be happy to have him back for this one.

Roma – Kevin Strootman: The combative midfielder will have extra work on his hands as midfield partner Daniele De Rossi sits this one out. He will have a hard task going up against Jose Callejon.

Match Prediction

Roma are enjoying their football a lot and will not bow down easy against Napoli, despite the intimidating atmosphere that will be waiting for them in Naples. The nine-time Coppa Italia winners will deliver a severe blow to Napoli’s ambitions should they win, but may come up short. Expect a draw at the end of the game.

Betting on Napoli v Roma? Make sure you read our betting preview first!
 

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